# XVI: Ralph Rideth the Wood Perilous Again explained — The Well at the World’s End

> Chapter companion for The Well at the World’s End by William Morris.

## What happens

Ralph and Roger ride through the Wood Perilous, with Ralph torn between suspicion of Roger and his longing to see the Lady of the Dry Tree. Roger deflects Ralph's questions, hints at a safe haven, and alludes to the woman Ralph desires, persuading him to continue together.

## Themes in this chapter

### Quest and Adventure

Ralph continues his perilous journey through the Wood Perilous, guided by the enigmatic Roger.

### Love and Desire

Ralph's longing for the Lady of the Dry Tree drives him to trust Roger despite his suspicions.

## Character check-ins

### Ralph of Upmeads

Ralph rides with Roger, torn between distrust and hope to see the Lady of the Dry Tree.

### Roger

Roger leads Ralph through the wood, speaks of a master and a fair house, and hints at the Lady.

## Key lines

> Now Roger led up to Ralph a strong horse, red roan of hue, duly harnessed for war, and he himself had a good grey horse, and they mounted at once, and Ralph rode slowly away through the wood at his horse's will, for he was pondering all that had befallen him, and wondering what next should hap.

Roger brought Ralph a sturdy warhorse, and they both mounted and rode off into the woods, Ralph deep in thought about recent events and what might come next.

_Opening of the chapter, setting the scene for their departure._

> Now when Ralph heard those last words, such strong and sweet hope and desire stirred in him to see that woman of the Want-ways of the Wood Perilous that he forgat all else, except that he must nowise fall to strife with Roger, lest they should sunder, and he should lose the help of him, which he now deemed would bring him to sight of her whom he had unwittingly come to long for more than aught else;

Hearing Roger's hint about the woman, Ralph was filled with hope and desire, deciding he must avoid conflict with Roger to keep his help in finding her.

_Ralph's motivation to trust Roger is revealed._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_well_at_the_world_s_end_se/chapters/xvi-ralph-rideth-the-wood-perilous-again
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_well_at_the_world_s_end_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_well_at_the_world_s_end_se/chapters